In a written release from the St. Paul RCMP detachment, police said they responded to a 911 call Friday evening after a vehicle hit a small child.

A Mountie performed CPR on the boy until Saddle Lake EMS arrived. He was taken to St. Therese Hospital in St. Paul, Alta., where he was pronounced dead.

Police said the preliminary investigation indicates the driver was backing up in a residential driveway when the boy was struck.

Police say alcohol and speed were not factors. It is not clear whether charges will be laid.

Family distraught

Gilbert Steinhauer, the boy's uncle, told CBC News on Saturday he reacted with shock and disbelief when he heard about the boy's death. He described the boy as upbeat and healthy, and called the incident a freak accident.

Steinhauer also said he was worried about how the family would cope with the tragedy.

Police have not identified the person driving the vehicle, but community members say the driver was related to the boy.